By Lindsey McManus, Allergy expert at Allergy UK.

Taking the sting out of allergies

• Top tips to help prevent bee/wasp stings
• Key symptoms of an allergic reaction
• Seeking medical help
• Next steps if your child is allergic

The arrival of summer means that children can enjoy the sunshine but it can also lead to an influx of bees and wasps in gardens and parks. Allergy expert, Lindsey McManus from leading national charity, Allergy UK explains what you can do reduce the risk of stings and how to handle allergic reactions.

Although insect stings are more common in children than adults, children are less likely to experience a severe allergic reaction from a sting. While severe reactions can occur as a result of a sting, deaths from stings are extremely rare, and mainly affect older people. Most people survive allergy reactions to a sting, even if they receive no effective treatment, so the best thing you can do if your child is stung is to stay calm and don’t panic.

Top tips to help prevent bee/wasp stings:

•  Dress your child in light coloured clothing, covering most of the body (particularly the feet)
•  Bees are attracted to bright colours and scents so avoid bright colours and flowery prints and don’t attract them by wearing perfumes
•  Make sure children wear long sleeves, long trousers and gloves if they are helping out with the gardening
•  Wasps tend to nest in logs, walls or underground. They are generally more aggressive than bees and are attracted to food and drink. Replace soft drinks cans with bottles and keep the lid on when outside, as wasps can crawl inside cans
• Stings often occur on bare feet – ensure your child doesn’t walk barefoot on grass, especially where there is clover
•  You should make your child aware that some insects can sting but it is equally important they stay calm if a bee or wasp comes near them.

Key Symptoms of an allergic reaction

If your child is stung, symptoms can range from mild swelling to a severe anaphylactic reaction (in the most unusual cases). Here are key symptoms to look out for:

Localised reactions (more common in children)

• Swelling at the sting
• Can be more than 10cm diameter
• Can last up to 24 hours

Can affect the rest of the limb.

• Mild systematic reactions
• Skin swelling
• Hives in a different area from the sting.

Moderate/severe systematic reactions (anaphylaxis)

• Swelling of throat and mouth
•  Difficulty swallowing or speaking
•  Difficulty breathing due to asthma or throat swelling
• Abdominal cramps and nausea
• Hives anywhere on body, particularly large hives
• Collapse/unconsciousness.

Seeking medical help

• For mild reactions using anti-histamines, either in a skin cream on the affected area or orally as a syrup or tablet, can be useful in relieving the allergic symptoms or general discomfort.
• Encouraging a child to suck on an ice cube or iced lolly may help to reduce any swelling around the mouth and throat.
• For moderate symptoms, an inhaler may be recommended or anti-histamines or steroids may be given by injection.
• If your child experiences an anaphylactic reaction and has an adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector device use it immediately and call an ambulance immediately.
• You should always seek the advice of your GP to find out what treatment is best for your child.

Next steps if your child is allergic

Bees and wasps have different venoms and so an allergic reaction to one does not mean that a child is automatically allergic to another since these are different allergens.

If your child suffers from an allergy they can wear a medic alert bracelet with details of the allergy and treatment in case of emergency. To find out more about medic alert bracelets with Allergy UK’s Allergy Friendly Product endorsement visit our website.

It’s also a good idea to inform teachers and occupational health advisors of your child’s insect allergy and treatment required should they be stung whilst at school.

For more information or practical management tips please call Allergy UK’s national helpline on 01322 619898 or visit: www.allergyuk.org

Photography: Mollypop @ Flickr